Coronary heart disease (CHD), also known as ischaemic heart disease, occurs when the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle is interrupted or reduced. This often happens due to the buildup of a fatty substance called atheroma inside the coronary arteries, narrowing the arteries and reducing blood flow.

If a piece of atheroma breaks away, it can lead to a sudden blockage of the artery, potentially causing a heart attack.

Symptoms of Coronary Heart Disease

The primary symptoms of CHD include:

• Chest Pain (Angina): A feeling of pressure, tightness, or squeezing in the chest.
• Shortness of Breath
• Pain Throughout the Body: The discomfort may spread to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach.
• Nausea and Dizziness
• Feeling Faint

Emergency Symptoms Requiring Immediate Attention

If you or someone else experiences the following, call 999 immediately:

• Central chest pain that doesn’t go away, often feeling like pressure, tightness, or squeezing.
• Pain radiating to the arms, neck, jaw, back, or stomach.
• Difficulty breathing, seizures, rapid or low heartbeat, or loss of consciousness.

Types of Chest Pain Related to CHD

• Microvascular Angina: A condition involving problems with the small blood vessels supplying the heart. This can occur when these tiny vessels can’t open properly or narrow severely, blocking blood flow.

Diagnosing Coronary Heart Disease

Several tests are used to diagnose CHD:

1. CT Coronary Angiography (CTCA)
2. Coronary Angiography
3. Electrocardiogram (ECG)
4. Thallium Scan (Myocardial Perfusion Scintigraphy)
5. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)

Risk Factors for Coronary Heart Disease

There are both uncontrollable and controllable risk factors for CHD:

Uncontrollable Risk Factors

• Age: Older age increases the risk.
• Family History: A family history of heart disease or stroke increases risk.
• Ethnicity: Certain ethnic backgrounds are more at risk.
• Post-Menopausal: Hormonal changes can increase the risk in women.

Lifestyle (Controllable) Risk Factors

Making lifestyle changes can significantly reduce your risk of developing CHD:

• Diet: Maintain a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains.
• Weight Management: Keep a healthy weight.
• Physical Activity: Engage in regular exercise.
• Smoking: Quit smoking to improve heart health.

Related Health Conditions

Certain conditions can increase your risk of CHD:

• Hypertension (High Blood Pressure)
• High Cholesterol
• Type 2 Diabetes
• Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
• Inflammatory Diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis

Managing and Treating Coronary Heart Disease

Treatment may involve lifestyle changes, medication, and, in some cases, surgical intervention (such as angioplasty or bypass surgery). Controlling risk factors like high blood pressure and cholesterol is crucial to managing the disease.

Support and Resources

Living with or caring for someone with a heart condition can be challenging. Support groups and organizations can provide invaluable information, guidance, and community:

• The British Heart Foundation
• Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland

Your GP or specialist can also provide details about local support groups.

Lifestyle Recommendations

To reduce your risk and manage existing conditions:

• Eat a Balanced Diet: Focus on heart-healthy foods.
• Exercise Regularly: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
• Quit Smoking: Seek support if necessary to stop smoking.
• Weight Management: Keep your weight within a healthy range.

By making these changes, you can significantly improve heart health, reduce symptoms, and lower the risk of heart complications.